Track record should mean something here. The Marlins have won championships twice and rebuilt both times. Their front office — Larry Beinfest, Mike Hill, Dan Jennings — has proven an ability to recognize and develop young talent and has been locked up for the long term, ensuring stability.

But there’s no denying that the Rays’ talent pool is greater. Their outfield is already more accomplished and assuming Longoria and Brignac are as good as advertised, the infield stands to be better, too.

The real advantage, however, comes in the pitching department. A projected rotation of Kazmir, Shields, Garza and Price — augmented by others — is clearly superior to what the Marlins have in stock.

Finally, there’s no guarantee — given Florida’s self-imposed payroll limitations and penchant for dealing off young stars — that Ramirez will be in a Marlins uniform in 2010.